WKU Women’s Golf finished second in the 2023 C-USA Championship and sophomore Catie Craig was victorious as the individual champion at 1-under par.

The 54-hole tournament was played at PGA National in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida April 13-15. A field of nine teams played the course at 6,102 yards and a par of 72. 

In the first round, Craig and fifth year senior Kenlie Barrett both carded 69. Senior Sarah Arnold finished 1-under with a 71 and freshman Averi Cline followed closely behind with a 74. Additionally, freshman Sydney Hackett finished the final round with an 81.

On the second day, Craig and Barrett continued to stay evenly matched as they both posted 75. Hackett and Arnold finished with 78’s and Cline posted an 83.

In the final 18 holes, every Hilltopper improved their score from the prior round. Craig finished on a 1-under score of 71 to claim first place. Barrett carded a 73 to find third place in the field. 

Craig and Barrett’s podium placements in the field are the best WKU Women’s Golf has seen in a conference tournament in the program’s history.

Additionally, Arnold fired an even par of 72 to be the third Hilltopper in the top ten at seventh place.

Hackett shot a 76, having dropped her score by five from the first 18 holes. Cline carded a 79 in the final round.

As a team, WKU finished second, just three strokes behind North Texas, who took the championship. The Hilltopper’s overall score of 881 (17-over) is one of the best scores posted in a conference championship in program history.

Craig will advance to the NCAA regional, becoming the first WKU women’s golfer to achieve an NCAA appearance.

1. Catie Craig – 69, 75, 71 – 215

2. Kenlie Barrett – 69, 75, 73 – 217

T7. Sarah Arnold – 71, 78, 72 – 221

T22. Sydney Hackett – 81, 78, 76 – 235 

T27. Averi Cline – 74, 83, 79 – 236

Sports Editor Molly St. Clair can be contacted at [email protected]